MSH keeps data collection limited. Basic browsing does not require an account. A long-lived anonymous browser/device identifier is created only when you rate an article or submit feedback, and the database stores a hash of that identifier rather than the raw value.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
What MSH collects
When you browse the site
MSH stores your selected color theme and accent in your browser's local storage so the site can remember appearance preferences. Search runs in your browser against MSH's own search data and does not require a search account.
When you rate an article
When you first choose Helpful or Not helpful, the MSH backend creates a random anonymous browser/device identifier in a first-party HttpOnly cookie. The identifier is designed to remember that the same browser has already rated the same article. The database stores a SHA-256 hash of the identifier, the article path and title, the rating, article revision information when available, and timestamps.
The identifier is not a hardware serial number and MSH does not use canvas, WebGL, font, or similar browser fingerprinting to create it.
When you submit feedback
MSH may store the feedback categories you select, the message you write, the page associated with the feedback, a snapshot of your article rating when relevant, article revision information, the hashed anonymous browser/device identifier, submission status, and timestamps.
Do not include passwords, private server addresses, access tokens, or other sensitive information in feedback messages.
Cookies and local storage
The anonymous browser/device cookie is created only after a rating or feedback submission. It is a first-party HttpOnly cookie with a rolling lifetime of approximately one year. Browsers may impose shorter limits. Clearing cookies or site data can cause MSH to treat the browser as a new anonymous device.
Local storage is used for appearance preferences and may keep a local rating cache so the interface can render quickly or continue to behave sensibly during local/development use.
Cloudflare and security checks
MSH uses Cloudflare infrastructure for the rating and feedback backend and Cloudflare Turnstile to protect feedback forms from automated abuse. The Turnstile check starts when you submit written feedback and may process technical information needed to determine whether a submission appears legitimate. Cloudflare handles that information under its own applicable privacy terms and policies.
How the data is used
- Remember and update a browser's article rating without counting normal rating changes as extra votes
- Measure whether MSH articles are helping readers
- Find inaccurate, outdated, missing, or unclear information
- Review site bugs, content requests, and general feedback
- Protect feedback endpoints from abuse and maintain service reliability
Retention and control
Rating and feedback records may be kept for as long as they remain useful for operating, improving, auditing, or protecting MSH. MSH may delete or aggregate older records when they are no longer needed.
You can remove the anonymous identifier from your browser by clearing MSH cookies or site data. Because the database stores a hashed anonymous identifier and does not currently require an account for ratings or feedback, MSH may not be able to connect a database record back to a specific person without additional information.
Analytics and advertising
At the time of this policy, the current MSH source does not include a third-party analytics tracker or advertising tracker. If analytics, advertising, account systems, or materially different data collection are added later, this policy should be updated before or when those features are enabled.
Privacy questions
Use the Contact & Feedback page and choose the privacy option for questions about this policy or MSH's data handling. The current form does not request an email address, so it is best suited to questions and notices that do not require a private reply.